A Polish Family’s 22-Day Cultural Journey Through China

This July, I welcomed the Pardała family of four from Poland, a family brimming with enthusiasm for Chinese culture. The elder son was fascinated by kung fu and had always dreamed of training with monks at the Shaolin Temple. The younger son was captivated by history and antiques, often losing himself in museums. For Tomek and his wife, this was not to be a simple “checklist trip,” but a journey to truly step into Chinese culture and experience it in depth.

Carefully Crafted: A 22-Day Cultural Immersion Tour

Through our conversations, I learned that they wanted a “China they could touch and feel.” With that in mind, I tailored a 22-day cultural itinerary for them. It included Beijing’s Forbidden City and Great Wall, Xi’an’s Terracotta Warriors and Ancient City Wall, Luoyang’s Longmen Grottoes, the breathtaking landscapes of Guilin, the spectacular peaks of Zhangjiajie, and the cosmopolitan charm of Shanghai. Alongside these iconic sites, we added immersive activities such as kung fu lessons, traditional handicraft workshops, Hanfu dress-up, and family visits. Even the hotels were chosen with Chinese-style décor to keep them surrounded by an authentic Eastern atmosphere.

Immersive Experiences: Moments of Wonder

In Beijing’s hutongs, the children took their first rickshaw ride through narrow alleys, then stepped into a local family’s home to learn dumpling-making and write the character “Fu.”

In Xi'an, the younger son listened intently to the guide at the Terracotta Army site before proudly crafting his own clay warrior, shouting, “I’m taking this home for Grandpa!”

In Guilin, the whole family was enchanted by the Li River cruise, drifting through scenery like a living ink painting. And in Shanghai, gazing at the dazzling lights of the Bund, Tomek’s wife whispered, “This is even more beautiful than I imagined.”

A Shaolin Twist: The Kung Fu Class

On long journeys, surprises are inevitable. Just before their visit to the Shaolin Temple, we received sudden notice that kung fu lessons were no longer open to international guests. For the elder son, who had dreamed of this moment, it could have been a major disappointment.

I quickly spoke with the family and suggested an alternative-training at a martial arts school near Shaolin with authentic instructors. Though the venue was different, the atmosphere was just as genuine. The boy’s face lit up with excitement, and what could have been a regret turned into an unexpectedly fulfilling experience.

A Family Lesson: The Xi’an Room Issue

Another challenge arose in Xi’an during the peak summer season: the hotel had no adjoining rooms available. Tomek and his wife were anxious about the children staying next door by themselves-natural concerns for parents in an unfamiliar country.

We coordinated with the hotel, confirming the possibility of moving them to neighboring rooms the following day. At the same time, I reassured the parents that travel itself is a classroom. With a 20-year-old and a 13-year-old, their sons were capable of handling a little independence. This, I suggested, could be a chance to nurture confidence and responsibility.

Hearing this, Tomek and his wife felt reassured. In fact, when the hotel later offered a room change, they chose to keep the original arrangement, allowing their children to try managing on their own. What began as a worry turned into a valuable lesson in family growth.

The Meaning of Travel: Culture and Growth Together

Over 22 days, the Pardała family not only immersed themselves deeply in China’s history and culture, but also found new understanding and growth in each small challenge along the way.

A few days later, I received their letter:

Dear Doria,

Thank you so much for organizing our wonderful journey through China. These 22 days have been an unforgettable experience for our whole family. Along the way, we not only admired China’s magnificent landscapes and rich history, but also stepped into its living culture.

What touched us even more was your thoughtful attention to detail. Whether it was arranging meals suited to our taste or calmly resolving unexpected challenges, you always made us feel secure and cared for. The alternative kung fu class at the martial arts school, and the hotel room situation in Xi’an, could have been disappointments, but with your support they turned into unique and memorable moments instead. This trip has given us not only knowledge and inspiration, but also growth as a family.

Once again, thank you to you and the Asia Odyssey Travel team. We are returning home with more than photos and souvenirs-we bring back precious memories and a friendship that crosses borders. We hope to meet again in the future!

Warm regards,

Tomek Pardała & Family

For me, travel is a process of solving problems, and accompanying them on this journey-witnessing their laughter, wonder, and heartfelt moments-became a precious memory of my own.